2012 Audi A8 Hybrid reveals with 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine

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Time has changed, so does the Audi A8. At times when the A8 moniker of the Audi A8 represented a V8 engine, but that may not be the case anymore. Audi is introducing the new 2012 Audi A8 Hybrid which will be powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine along an electric motor. And no, that is not a typo.

The Audi A8 Hybrid concept was presented at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, but little did we know that it will be powered by a four-cylinder engine. Though it may seems underpowered for Audi A8 saloon, but it is making a statement that large luxury cars don’t have to be a gas guzzler.

The 2012 Audi A8 Hybrid features at a parallel hybrid powertrain, which consists of a 2.0-liter turbocharged TFSI gasoline engine producing 211 horsepower and 258 pound-ft of torque, along with an electric motor that is rated at 54 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. The combined power output is rated at 245 horsepower and 345 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid powertrain is mated to an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission. Power for the electric motor is provided by a lithium-ion battery pack, which is located in trunk.

Performance wise, the 2012 Audi A8 Hybrid can sprint from 0-62 mph in just 7.7 seconds and with a top speed of 146 mph, which is not bad for the sheer size of this saloon. Audi claims that the A8 Hybrid can travel on electric power alone up to 1.86 miles while maintain a constant speed of 37 mph, and top speed on pure electric is at about at 62mph.

The parallel hybrid system on the 2012 Audi A8 Hybrid has three different driving modes: the “EV” mode for pure electric drive, “D” mode with both the engine and the electric motor are on, and the “S” mode for a spirited driving condition.

As for fuel consumption, it has an estimated fuel economy rating of 6.4 l/100 km (37 mpg U.S.) and with CO2 emissions at 148 grams/km (238 g/mile U.S.) on European cycle.

The 2012 Audi A8 Hybrid will make its appearance at 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, and pricing to be announced afterward.